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Friday, 22 February 2013

Lighten up

We all vary in how seriously we take life’s
absurdities don’t we? If I read a report of David Cameron’s latest speech,
there is a spectrum of basic attitudes I'll adopt, depending on the issues
involved, my mood and general take on such things.

The BBC would report Cameron’s speech at face
value of course, attributing the content to various political moves and strategies, assessing the range of responses those moves might
invoke and the people most likely to make those responses.

In other words, the BBC would report Cameron's speech almost as if they were reporting on a game of football or snooker - tactics, strategies and personalities.

A more sceptical person might see Cameron’s
speech in a radically different light, especially a genial sceptic inclined to see the comic side of political pretensions.

Once Cameron is seen for what he is - a largely
ineffectual figurehead, then the meaning and value of his speech may well be treated more lightly, even frivolously by our imaginary genial sceptic. A patch of froth on the political sea, an ephemeral thing with little substance or durability.

There are of course a range of other possible attitudes, but
the problem remains. If like the BBC, we take these matters and these events at
face value, we are able to deliver what seems like a serious and responsible
commentary. At least I suspect it sounds that way to most ears.

However, this serious and responsible commentary is only serious and responsible because it sidesteps the futility of the speech and the emptiness of Cameron's professed aims
as Prime Minister. It is a form of deception and possibly self-deception where the manner of a report directs attention from its narrow focus. The BBC is very good at keeping the focus narrowly genteel.

Futility is an important aspect of power and complexity. Many
things our leaders do are most certainly futile, designed for show and for
temporary effect rather than anything more permanent. Yet a serious take on these matters has always been
identified with a mainstream point of view. Anything lighter is
taken as...
...well lighter.

Yet the lighter angle may touch on important matters with considerably more accuracy than a narrowly serious analysis. The lighter angle may be more literary, allusive and metaphorical,
but being less restrained it may be more accurate too...